Jan. 23 | Discovery

Study Questions for Groups

By Michael C. Mack

1. When and how did you sense God’s unconditional and saving love this week?

2. In what areas of your life do you find it easiest to obey God? What areas are most difficult?

Ask two people to read aloud Romans 9:22-33; 11:1-6 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to restate these passages in their own words in a minute or less.

3. What is your initial impression of these passages?

4. Let’s dig deeper into these passages:

• Look at the three sets of leading questions in these passages (9:22-24, 30-32; 11:1) and the way those questions are addressed. How do those help you comprehend the overall purpose of these passages?

• According to the Old Testament prophets cited, how does God see the objects of his mercy?

• The stone and rock from Isaiah (Romans 9:33) refer to Jesus (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:4). How did he cause some people to stumble and fall and others to “never be put to shame”?

• By what criterion are people of the remnant chosen?

5. What do you learn about God and his grace from these passages?

6. What do you learn about people?

7. What can you do to assure you are obeying God not as a work to be saved, but because of God’s grace for you?  

8. Who will you tell about God’s grace this week?

9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .”

10. In what area of your life do you need more of God’s patience?

For Next Week: Read and reflect on Romans 14:1-5, 13-23. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.